"Yum Yum" Chilli
A hearty, flavorful chili loaded with beef, vegetables, and spices, perfect for satisfying cravings and serving at family dinners or casual gatherings.
Ingredients
- 2 lb. hamburger ⓘ
- 1 large onion ⓘ
- 3 large celery stalks ⓘ
- 1 large green pepper ⓘ
- 1 large can stewed tomatoes ⓘ
- 2 c. tomato soup ⓘ
- 2 c. water ⓘ
- 1 large can tomato paste ⓘ
- 1 c. red kidney beans ⓘ
- 1 c. refried beans ⓘ
- 2 tsp. chili powder
- 1 1/2 tsp. curry powder ⓘ
- 1 tsp. cumin ⓘ
- 3 Tbsp. sugar ⓘ
- 1 bay leaf ⓘ
- 1/4 tsp. basil ⓘ
- salt and pepper
Instructions
- Brown the hamburger meat in a large skillet.
- Drain off the grease from the cooked meat.
- Add chopped onion, chopped celery, and chopped green pepper to the skillet.
- Saute the vegetables with the meat for 5 minutes.
- Add stewed tomatoes, tomato soup, water, tomato paste, red kidney beans, refried beans, chili powder, curry powder, cumin, sugar, bay leaf, basil, salt, and pepper.
- Simmer the mixture for an hour or more, stirring occasionally.
- Optionally, add picante sauce for extra flavor before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider using a mix of ground beef and turkey. If you want to add some heat, incorporate diced jalapeños or use a spicier chili powder. You can substitute black beans for the red kidney beans or use canned diced tomatoes instead of stewed tomatoes. For added depth, try adding a splash of Worcestershire sauce.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this hearty chili with a side of cornbread, which pairs beautifully with the flavors in this dish. Top with shredded cheese, sour cream, or chopped green onions for added richness. It also goes well with a fresh salad or Tater Appetizers for a satisfying meal. For an extra kick, consider drizzling some picante sauce on top.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, simply warm in a saucepan over low heat, stirring occasionally. You can also microwave individual portions, but cover them to avoid drying out. This chili can also be frozen for up to three months.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of "Yum Yum" Chilli contains roughly 1015 calories, with 40g protein, 138g carbohydrates, and 50g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (222% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (131% of the Daily Value), and calcium (131% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1898mg per serving (83% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this chili vegetarian?
Yes! You can easily make this chili vegetarian by substituting the hamburger with a plant-based meat alternative or using lentils for protein. Replace the beef broth with vegetable broth to maintain the flavor profile. You can also add more beans or extra vegetables for a heartier texture.
How can I thicken the chili if it's too watery?
If your chili turns out too watery, you can thicken it by simmering it uncovered for an additional 15-20 minutes to reduce the liquid. Alternatively, mash some of the beans against the side of the pot or add a tablespoon of cornmeal or masa harina to absorb excess moisture.
What can I serve as a side with this chili?
Great sides for this chili include cornbread, which is a classic pairing, or a simple green salad for freshness. You might also consider serving it with Bacon Corn Bread Muffins or tortilla chips for a crunchy contrast. For a more filling meal, consider serving it alongside Polish Beans.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).